Understood Betsy is a 1916 novel for children by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. Understood Betsy tells of Elizabeth Ann, a 9-year-old orphan who goes from a sheltered existence with relatives in the city, to living on a Vermont farm, the Putneys, whose child-rearing practices had always seemed suspect to Harriet and her daughter. In her new rural life, Elizabeth Ann is nicknamed "Betsy," and finds that many activities that Frances had always thought too demanding for a little girl are considered, by the Putney family, ordinary ...
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Understood Betsy is a 1916 novel for children by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. Understood Betsy tells of Elizabeth Ann, a 9-year-old orphan who goes from a sheltered existence with relatives in the city, to living on a Vermont farm, the Putneys, whose child-rearing practices had always seemed suspect to Harriet and her daughter. In her new rural life, Elizabeth Ann is nicknamed "Betsy," and finds that many activities that Frances had always thought too demanding for a little girl are considered, by the Putney family, ordinary expectations for a child. Betsy thrives in her new environment, learning to make butter, boil maple syrup, and tend the animals. When Frances announces she is to be married and has come to "save" Elizabeth Ann from the dreaded Putney cousins, she is amazed to discover that the little girl is quite content to stay. Understood Betsy is a wonderful book--one that should be a part of every family library.
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Add this copy of Understood Betsy to cart. $6.43, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2013 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
Add this copy of Understood Betsy to cart. $24.35, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by CreateSpace Independent Publis.
Add this copy of Understood Betsy to cart. $52.63, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by CreateSpace Independent Publis.
I read this book as a child and wanted to read it again to refresh my memory. It was every bit as delightful as it was then.
mommyschooler
Jan 8, 2008
Wonderful Book!
This is a wonderful read aloud with your children. A very heartwarming look at the past.
melody
May 17, 2007
Understood Betsy
This is a great book for read-aloud at school, and is a wonderful picture of the past.
VoraciousReader
Apr 5, 2007
Classic Children's Literature
Understood Betsey is a delightful story about a timid girl, dependent on her aunts, who is transformed into someone of character, strength, and ability. Betsey learns solid moral lessons, often through humorous mishaps, that readers of any age would do well to remember. She learns that doing something good only for the praise you get, is not the best motivation. She also learns to think and care about others.
The author's attachment to the Montessori style of education is quite apparent in her portrayal of Betsey's schooling. She promotes learning at one's own pace and points out that learning to live is more important than learning how to pass a paper examination.
In summary, this is a good, wholesome book with warm characters. The author weaves a tale which will both amuse her readers and cause them to stop and think.
